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Regular
Posts: 87
| I am planning my trip to the NFR this December. Does anyone have any tips on saving money. I would like to go later in the week. Does anyone that has been have money saving tips? I was told there is a air line that only flies in and out of vegas that is pretty cheap but i can't seem to find them. Any tips are much appreciated! |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
   
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Where are you flying from?
During the week you can get much better deals on hotels as most jump up as much as 3 times what you can get them for during the week.
If you rent a car you can go off the strip to eat and save. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| Stay at a hotel that is a block off the strip. They are still nice and you can easily walk to the stip for all the fun stuff! |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Try booking flight and hotel room as a package thru either the airline or the hotel of choice. I generally start watching the sites mid summer and keep watching until I feel like I have found the best deal. Generally the prices change on Tuesdays so keep checking back. I have always gotten great deal by locking in and paying by late summer or early fall. |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | I always fly Southwest Airlines. I already bought my tickets a month ago. I get emails on their specials and usually I fly from Houston for $200! This year I paid $240. They also have vacation packages with a lot of the hotels. I gamble so I always get rooms free with my players card along with free meals. There is an app called My Vegas Slots. You can play for free and accumulate points for freebies. My daughter got free rooms and food and rail tickets. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | mreklaw - 2014-07-28 7:51 PM I always fly Southwest Airlines. I already bought my tickets a month ago. I get emails on their specials and usually I fly from Houston for $200! This year I paid $240. They also have vacation packages with a lot of the hotels. I gamble so I always get rooms free with my players card along with free meals. There is an app called My Vegas Slots. You can play for free and accumulate points for freebies. My daughter got free rooms and food and rail tickets.
You only paid $100.00 each way? |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | Nevertooold - 2014-07-28 9:03 PM
mreklaw - 2014-07-28 7:51 PM I always fly Southwest Airlines. I already bought my tickets a month ago. I get emails on their specials and usually I fly from Houston for $200! This year I paid $240. They also have vacation packages with a lot of the hotels. I gamble so I always get rooms free with my players card along with free meals. There is an app called My Vegas Slots. You can play for free and accumulate points for freebies. My daughter got free rooms and food and rail tickets.
You only paid $100.00 each way?
Yup! Southwest does that twice a year! You have to sign up for their emails and always check their specials! As soon as you see it you have to book right away. Usually in March and in June or July. You have to be quick tho. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | mreklaw - 2014-07-28 9:32 PM Nevertooold - 2014-07-28 9:03 PM mreklaw - 2014-07-28 7:51 PM I always fly Southwest Airlines. I already bought my tickets a month ago. I get emails on their specials and usually I fly from Houston for $200! This year I paid $240. They also have vacation packages with a lot of the hotels. I gamble so I always get rooms free with my players card along with free meals. There is an app called My Vegas Slots. You can play for free and accumulate points for freebies. My daughter got free rooms and food and rail tickets. You only paid $100.00 each way? Yup! Southwest does that twice a year! You have to sign up for their emails and always check their specials! As soon as you see it you have to book right away. Usually in March and in June or July. You have to be quick tho.
I am signed up but I guess I'm not fast enough..LOL |
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Veteran
Posts: 203
Location: kansas | So how do you play this game? Free rooms and food has got my attention! |
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Regular
Posts: 87
| Who buys tickets when they get there? I have heard there are places you can buy tickets when you get there... but I am curious how much you actually save and what the chances are they will not be sold out. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| RockinT - 2014-07-29 9:25 AM Who buys tickets when they get there? I have heard there are places you can buy tickets when you get there... but I am curious how much you actually save and what the chances are they will not be sold out.
You dont save anything on tickets, unless you can get them comped from your hotel.
The ticket exchange is a joke. |
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 Living within my means
Posts: 5128
Location: Randolph, Utah | RockinT - 2014-07-29 8:25 AM
Who buys tickets when they get there? I have heard there are places you can buy tickets when you get there... but I am curious how much you actually save and what the chances are they will not be sold out.
We always buy when we get there but you do not save money!
As far as flights I always try and fly southwest because of the 2 free bags, you'll need the space if you do much shopping.
I like Excalibur for a hotel, it's not overly expensive, clean, and not very far from the Mandalay shopping. |
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boon
Posts: 1
| MAPREKLAW --you left out the part that you always go with your most FAVORITE sister!! 
Edited by Aggie89 2014-07-29 12:34 PM
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | RaNdI sUe - 2014-07-29 8:40 AM
So how do you play this game? Free rooms and food has got my attention!
You have to play for awhile to get the free rooms but just download the app "My Vegas Slots" and get busy. You get free coins at 1st then more as you play. If you play everyday u get more coins. I've never bought any and been playing about 3 months. Right now I have enough for rail tickets and some free food. You might have time to get some freebies before the NFR. |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | Aggie89 - 2014-07-29 12:32 PM
MAPREKLAW --you left out the part that you always go with your most FAVORITE sister!!
This is true!!! That way when I run out of money she can buy my food!!!! |
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 Banjo and Baby
Posts: 7259
Location: South of Canada and North of Mexico | The best website for checking rooms and prices and reviews in Vegas is www.i4vegas.comI just booked one way tickets from San Francisco to Minneapolis on Sun Country for 258 for my son and I checked bags are $20 each. By far the best deal ice found. I flew Alligant last time to Vegas and it sucked.. Lots of fees and only a 40 lb limit on suitcases. You can also buy the North American Casino Guide for $20 online and there are quite a few good coupons of buy one get ones. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 887
Location: MN | Check vacation packages. I compared lots of different sites and found the best deal direct through Delta Vacations! $260 each for my husband and I - round trip with 3 nights at Harrah's. Actually was less before I booked, but I drug my feet a bit. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | mreklaw - 2014-07-29 12:34 PM RaNdI sUe - 2014-07-29 8:40 AM So how do you play this game? Free rooms and food has got my attention! You have to play for awhile to get the free rooms but just download the app "My Vegas Slots" and get busy. You get free coins at 1st then more as you play. If you play everyday u get more coins. I've never bought any and been playing about 3 months. Right now I have enough for rail tickets and some free food. You might have time to get some freebies before the NFR.
I just downloaded it. Now I'll probably get addicted...LOL |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | Nevertooold - 2014-07-29 4:09 PM
mreklaw - 2014-07-29 12:34 PM RaNdI sUe - 2014-07-29 8:40 AM So how do you play this game? Free rooms and food has got my attention! You have to play for awhile to get the free rooms but just download the app "My Vegas Slots" and get busy. You get free coins at 1st then more as you play. If you play everyday u get more coins. I've never bought any and been playing about 3 months. Right now I have enough for rail tickets and some free food. You might have time to get some freebies before the NFR.
Yup it's addictive. My daughter plays on her desktop and phone and says she wins more on desktop! She also has people play on her sign on for her when she is working. She is a pro! |
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 Roan On The Range
Posts: 7889
Location: Stephenville, TX | You'll save money if you limit your hotel stay to weeknights, as the prices go up on weekends. Renting a car is typically the best way to get around if you're planning on leaving the strip every day (cabs can get expensive, the monorail is limited and the public bus is not a good time). I've relied on free shuttle buses and been stranded a few times. Not a huge deal, just walked if I could or got a cab.
On the subject of cheap flights, I was always happy flying Southwest into Vegas (two free checked bags, hard to beat that!). I flew Spirit once and will not ever again (ticket is cheap, baggage fees are not).
To save money on travel, I have one of those rewards credit cards (Capital One). I get points on it all year long and have used them for plane tickets, fuel, car rentals, hotel stays, etc. Pretty handy!
Have fun!!! |
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Veteran
Posts: 114
| We try to go to each December, for some reason airfare is the highest I have ever seen it from Florida to Vegas. Usually, we pay around $275-$300 round trip on Southwest, right now, it's pricing at $523!!! Harrah's is running a special right now 25% off all rooms, when you book directly on total rewards.com. We stay there because we can walk to the Sands Expo and take the monorail to the convention center, free shuttle to the Thomas and Mack and Toby Keith's bar is there. I also play the MYVEGAS App and will use that for free food/buffets. As far as tickets, some hotels will offer room packages with tickets (Harrah's will as it gets closer). I also, have that Capital One and save points to redeem for airfare, food, etc... Good luck and Happy Shopping!! |
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Regular
Posts: 90
| RockinT - 2014-07-28 1:09 PM
I am planning my trip to the NFR this December. Does anyone have any tips on saving money. I would like to go later in the week. Does anyone that has been have money saving tips? I was told there is a air line that only flies in and out of vegas that is pretty cheap but i can't seem to find them. Any tips are much appreciated!
Are you thinking Allegiant Air or Spirit airlines? Spirit can be pretty cheap but you need to know EXACTLY what you're getting in to when you book them. Frontier may still be operating separately from Southwest. I flew them out of Vegas last fall and it wasn't bad at all for a red eye to Maryland. |
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Member
Posts: 14
Location: KS | We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night.
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Member
Posts: 14
Location: KS | Oh and there are shuttles from golden nugget to Thomas and Mack. Or live feeds if you can't make it to Thomas and Mack.
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Regular
Posts: 90
| Mill Iron M - 2014-07-30 11:31 PM
We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night.
Freemont's really cleaned up since the last time we were there. Two weeks ago, even in the extreme heat, we were pretty comfortable walking around in the crowds, even with the evening free concert. However, they don't allow you to buy drinks at the ABC stores on Freemont and consume them as you walk around. You have to buy from the casinos and street vendors. That was a bummer. |
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Roan On The Range
Posts: 7889
Location: Stephenville, TX | Cowgirl Up!_1 - 2014-07-30 6:54 PM RockinT - 2014-07-28 1:09 PM I am planning my trip to the NFR this December. Does anyone have any tips on saving money. I would like to go later in the week. Does anyone that has been have money saving tips? I was told there is a air line that only flies in and out of vegas that is pretty cheap but i can't seem to find them. Any tips are much appreciated! Are you thinking Allegiant Air or Spirit airlines? Spirit can be pretty cheap but you need to know EXACTLY what you're getting in to when you book them. Frontier may still be operating separately from Southwest. I flew them out of Vegas last fall and it wasn't bad at all for a red eye to Maryland.
If you fly Spirit READ EVERYTHING VERY CAREFULLY! Think about how much baggage you'll be bringing, look at their carry-on size limitations and their checked baggage weight restrictions and add the cost of baggage to the price of your ticket. After I paid all my fees for my red-eye on Spirit, I could have flown a different airline for the same price and had more convenient flight times.
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Living within my means
Posts: 5128
Location: Randolph, Utah | Cowgirl Up!_1 - 2014-07-31 9:35 AM
Mill Iron M - 2014-07-30 11:31 PM
We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night.
Freemont's really cleaned up since the last time we were there. Two weeks ago, even in the extreme heat, we were pretty comfortable walking around in the crowds, even with the evening free concert. However, they don't allow you to buy drinks at the ABC stores on Freemont and consume them as you walk around. You have to buy from the casinos and street vendors. That was a bummer.
Depending when you plan to go Fremont has a fun night of concerts the Wednesday before the rodeo starts.
It's a blast!! |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| Cowgirl Up!_1 - 2014-07-31 8:35 AM Mill Iron M - 2014-07-30 11:31 PM We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night. Freemont's really cleaned up since the last time we were there. Two weeks ago, even in the extreme heat, we were pretty comfortable walking around in the crowds, even with the evening free concert. However, they don't allow you to buy drinks at the ABC stores on Freemont and consume them as you walk around. You have to buy from the casinos and street vendors. That was a bummer.
Is this new? Three years ago (last time I was there) you could by from the stores and walk around with drinks in your hand. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| brlraceaddict - 2014-07-31 12:16 PM Cowgirl Up!_1 - 2014-07-31 8:35 AM Mill Iron M - 2014-07-30 11:31 PM We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night. Freemont's really cleaned up since the last time we were there. Two weeks ago, even in the extreme heat, we were pretty comfortable walking around in the crowds, even with the evening free concert. However, they don't allow you to buy drinks at the ABC stores on Freemont and consume them as you walk around. You have to buy from the casinos and street vendors. That was a bummer.
Yes, new law just passed about 2 months ago. Also, the "performers" are now banned from using the restrooms in the casinos. Its really more trying to keep the panhandlers and slummy street acts from running around drunk and crazy than trying to keep the normal person from walking around with a drink, but same laws for everyone. It was getting pretty sketchy and dangerous downtown there for a while. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Can you still walk the strip with drinks? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| linds - 2014-07-31 1:28 PM Can you still walk the strip with drinks?
yes |
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Regular
Posts: 81
| A friend and I are going for the first time and staying at the Mirage. Has anyone stayed there before or know anything about it?? Their website seemed like a pretty good deal!! Any input is appreciated!! We are going the first weekend and planned on getting tickets out there but do we need to get them ahead of time?? |
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 Toastest with the Mostest
Posts: 5712
Location: That part of Texas | Be sure when booking your hotel that you understand the full price of staying there. When we went, we thought we we're getting a good deal on a nightly rate and then realized that it wasn't such a steal after we had to pay a "resort fee" on top of the room price. Some of the hotels don't have them so be sure to check about that added expense. |
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 Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | Stay at a cheap hotel, you are never in your room except to sleep anyway. Personally, I havent found anything less expensive than Excalibur. Even though everyone will say not to, rent a car. Eating off the strip is much less expensive. When we get in to town before we even go to our room, we go to Wally World and buy a cheap styrofoam ice chest and buy lunchmeat and cheese, munchy kind of stuff and water. Keep it full with the ice from the hotel. We also buy booze at Walmart and have a drink in the room. If you go in to any casino, sit down at a slot machine and play a bit, you will get free drinks. When you order ask for a shot of .... and a glass of coke, or whatever. Otherwise the drinks are pretty watered down. If you want to go to the rodeo, spend the extra $$ for good seats, or just watch in the casinos. Alot of casinos have drawings and are interactive with you during the rodeo. The cheap seats really arent worth the price. If you do go for them, bring binoculars, you will need them. The shopping is great but you really dont get the good deals like you did in the old days. Know your pricing, its easy to get caught up and spend alot so bring lots of money!! Have FUN!! |
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Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | Red Raider - 2014-08-01 3:06 PM Be sure when booking your hotel that you understand the full price of staying there. When we went, we thought we we're getting a good deal on a nightly rate and then realized that it wasn't such a steal after we had to pay a "resort fee" on top of the room price. Some of the hotels don't have them so be sure to check about that added expense.
Great point! They all add the 'resort fee' and it can make what seems inexpensive pretty spendy in a hurry. This fee is something they dont advertise and checkout can be a surprise if you arent aware of it! |
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Regular
Posts: 90
| brlraceaddict - 2014-07-31 12:16 PM
Cowgirl Up!_1 - 2014-07-31 8:35 AM Mill Iron M - 2014-07-30 11:31 PM We always stay on Fremont street somewhere. Food and drinks are a lot cheaper. We love the Fremont experience at night. Freemont's really cleaned up since the last time we were there. Two weeks ago, even in the extreme heat, we were pretty comfortable walking around in the crowds, even with the evening free concert. However, they don't allow you to buy drinks at the ABC stores on Freemont and consume them as you walk around. You have to buy from the casinos and street vendors. That was a bummer.
You can still have drinks when you walk around, but you can't buy the drinks (beers, bottles, etc) at the ABC stores then open them and walk around. They said it was an open container rules and you have to be 1000' from the store (Maybe all the stores?) to open them. I think it's safety related since they don't want glass out in the open. My friends that live there didn't even know it had changed until two weeks ago. But it was very clean by Vegas standards, in fact, freemont was better than the very small parts of the strip we walked on that trip. We were at the Linq, which was really nice, but once you got on the strip to go to Serendipity (had a first timer with us, everyone's got to do it I guess) it was dirty and crowded and smelly.
Also, if you're on freemont, the penny slots are still awesome. I think we were in the golden nugget when we realized we'd found one that actually paid in coins. I started with $20 in one casino on the pennies. Three hours, three casinos and many beers later, I cashed out $15. It was a steal!
Edited by Cowgirl Up!_1 2014-07-31 6:44 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| Vmtaylor - 2014-07-31 4:56 PM A friend and I are going for the first time and staying at the Mirage. Has anyone stayed there before or know anything about it?? Their website seemed like a pretty good deal!! Any input is appreciated!! We are going the first weekend and planned on getting tickets out there but do we need to get them ahead of time??
Mirage is a nice hotel, good for a first time NFR goer because of the RODEO VEGAS party every night. Food is a little lacking at Mirage compared to other places but you can still get a good bite to eat (BLT burger is GREAT, stay away from the buffet there), and Treasure Island has a 2 min tram to a little bit better food and better gaming. Gilleys is a fun time a TI especially if you like to people watch, it can be pretty entertaining.
You can walk easily to the Sands convention from there and the Convention center is a short cab ride. Only draw back is you are a long way from the south end of the strip and the Thomas and Mack, so takes longer to get the the rodeo from there.
Only big complaint I had when we stayed there in 2012, was the AC is pretty lacking in the rooms, but we like it COLD.
You will be able to find tickets just fine on the first weekend, but you might pay a little more than you would getting them ahead of time. |
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 Banned by Booger
Posts: 2168
Location: Huffman, Texas | Last year we stayed at the Mirage and we got 2 free buffets per day. We liked it. |
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NFR Travel Tips